INTERNATIONAL Labour Day which falls on May 1 is usually an occasion for rallies, marches, demonstrations and protests that highlight the common issues faced by workers globally.
However, times are changing amid new issues being brought up by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the COVID-19 pandemic, post-pandemic unemployment, the Ukraine-Russia conflict and disruption in supply chains, among others.
A relatively new issue is climate change and its widespread repercussions on workers worldwide. Already many countries are affected by the extremes in winter and summer conditions.
The heat wave is the one that needs immediate attention. Temperatures are soaring to 40–50 degree Celsius the world over and workers are bearing the brunt of the extreme weather.
Those working outdoors and in the open such as agriculture, construction, municipal services, fishing, fire services, the traffic police and workers in numerous other industries are sweating it out.
In some countries new rules have come into effect whereby when the temperature hits a high level, workers can stop work as continuing working further will lead to heatstroke and other physical disabilities.
The workers unions in these nations must be complimented to have persuaded both the governments and the employers on this crucial issue.
In Malaysia where the temperature at noon have become unbearably hot and humid due to climate change and the haze, the government has to recognise the need for such worker-friendly rules to avert casualties and fatalities resulting from heat stroke.
Two children have already died of heatstroke in Kelantan yesterday and this underlines the need to take urgent preventive measures.
Malaysian workers and employers have hitherto not given this problem much thought as most of those working outdoors and in the open are foreign workers.
There should be no discrimination between local and foreign workers on the issue of being exposed to high temperatures. Workers union leaders need to highlight these problems as well as the usual ones on May day.
May Day is the occasion for workers, employers and government interaction. May Day is not only a celebration of workers’ contributions and achievements to nation-building but also the time for governments and employers to realise the importance of the workers and help them to overcome the various industrial issues highlighted such as higher wages, better working conditions, unemployment, medical and retirement benefits, among others.
An annual May Day Award can be given to a deserving union leader, an exemplary worker or employer or an official from the Manpower Ministry.
Although strikes have diminished worldwide over the decades due to positive negotiations with all parties concerned for the betterment of the community and country, industrial action is still the last resort and remains the best means to drive home the point to stubborn, exploitative employers and governments.
Industrial peace is very much a treasured commodity. Every human is a worker in one way or another whether one is a prime minister or a daily wage-earner. – May 1, 2023
V. Thomas
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
